Storm Oriana Brings Heavy Rain, Strong Winds to Italy and Spain
Italy is already feeling the effects of the ninth disturbance of February 2026, now dubbed Storm Oriana. The cyclonic vortex, visible in satellite imagery, reached Corsica overnight, ushering in a phase of severe weather expected to impact much of the Italian Peninsula.
Saturday, February 14, 2026: Rain and Strong Winds
The weekend begins with widespread bad weather. Northern Italy will experience overcast skies with rain, showers, and thunderstorms; snow is expected in the Alps above 900-1,000 meters, falling to lower elevations in the evening. Central Italy will see showers and thunderstorms, potentially intense in regions facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, with snow in the Apennines between 1,000 and 1,300 meters.
In the South, precipitation is rapidly spreading across all regions, with localized intensity. Strong or gale-force winds are forecast on the western seas, with gusts up to 80-100 km/h, and rough seas along exposed coasts.
Orange Alert and School Closures
The Civil Protection agency has issued an orange alert in Campania, Lazio, Sardinia, and Emilia Romagna due to hydrogeological and hydraulic risk. Some municipalities in Campania and Sardinia, including Burcei, Villaputzu, and Norbello, have ordered the closure of schools of all levels. Residents are advised to avoid waterways, underpasses, and green areas due to the risk of falling branches and potential flooding. Caution is also advised along exposed coasts and while driving in strong wind conditions.
Meanwhile, Spain continues to grapple with the aftermath of Storm Nils and is now facing the full force of Storm Oriana. The storm is sweeping across parts of Spain, triggering weather alerts nationwide and prompting precautionary school closures in parts of Málaga province, according to reports from InSpain.news and Facebook posts from InSpain.news and CostaNewsSpain.
Emergency warnings have been issued as heavy rain, strong winds, and saturated ground raise the risk of disruption and localized flooding. Several towns in Málaga province have cancelled in-person classes due to safety concerns and access issues. Drivers have been warned about flooding, debris, and dangerous gusts, particularly on exposed roads and coastal routes.
The situation follows days of severe weather in Spain, with Storm Nils having already caused cancelled flights, fallen trees, and evacuations. According to EuroWeeklyNews, Storm Nils brought winds reaching up to 100 kilometers an hour and severe weather warnings were issued by the Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, in several regions, primarily in the northwest, east, and along the Atlantic coast.
Tragically, a 46-year-old woman died in Barcelona after the roof of an industrial building collapsed during extreme winds linked to Storm Oriana, highlighting the seriousness of the current weather system. Emergency services across Spain remain on alert as the storm moves eastwards.
In Italy, the Civil Protection agency urges residents to monitor official updates and take necessary precautions as Storm Oriana continues to impact the country. The alert level will be reassessed as the situation evolves.
